Wisdom ICS3 Installation instructions

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Installation and Owner’s Manual
Sage Series ICS3
Sage Series SUB1
Minimal Appearance Point Source Loudspeaker
Solid Surface Mounting Kit
For 3” and 4” square and round solid surface mounting with ICS3 or SUB1 loudspeakers

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Table of Contents
Preparing for Solid Surface Mounting........................................................................................................................................................4
Included Parts .......................................................................................................................................................................................4
Accessories and Supported Options .....................................................................................................................................................4
ICS3 Prewire and Pre-Construction Preparation...................................................................................................................................4
SUB1 Prewire and Pre-Construction Preparation .................................................................................................................................4
Cutting the Solid Surface............................................................................................................................................................................5
Method 1: Water Jet / CNC Using CAD .................................................................................................................................................5
Method 2: Using the Optional Router Template ..................................................................................................................................5
Selecting and Installing Shims and Mounting Plate...................................................................................................................................7
Attach Mounting Plate to Solid Surface.....................................................................................................................................................8
Final Installation Into Ceiling......................................................................................................................................................................8
ICS3-Backbox Attachment to Platform..................................................................................................................................................9
ICS3-SPMD (Spiral Magnetic Planar Driver) Installation Into ICS3-Backbox: ........................................................................................9
SUB1 Port Tube Connection................................................................................................................................................................10
Using Paint Shield to Adjust Grille Flush and Level..................................................................................................................................11
Adjust Grill Mounting Depth: ICS3 ......................................................................................................................................................11
Adjust Grill Mounting Depth: SUB1.....................................................................................................................................................11
Document Conventions
This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions for the Wisdom Audio
Sage Series Minimal Appearance loudspeakers. It is important to read this document before
attempting to use this product. Pay particular attention to:
WARNING: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury or death.
CAUTION: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part of or the entire product.
Note: Calls attention to information that aids in the installation or operation of the product.

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Sage Series Minimal Appearance System Ordering and Planning
1.
Planning Stage
2.
Pre-construction / Pre-wire Stage
3.
Finishing Stage
Surface
Platform (Size & Shape)
Speaker
Final Assembly
Grille
Gypsum, 1/2” (12.5mm)
•1/2" round 3" Platform
•1/2" square 3" Platform
•1/2" round 4" Platform
•1/2" square 4" Platform
•ICS3-BackBox
•SUB1
•ICS3-SPMD
•3" round
•3" square
•4" round
•4" square
Gypsum, 5/8” (15mm)
•5/8" round 3" Platform
•5/8" square 3" Platform
•5/8" round 4" Platform
•5/8" square 4" Platform
Solid Surface
Depth from 3/8” to 1-1/4”
(9.5mm –31.75mm)
•Solid Surface Mounting Kit
•Router Template Tool Kit
Solid Surface Mounting Kit
Mounting Plate - (1)
1/4” (6.35mm) Shim - (2)
1/8” (3.175mm) Shim - (3)
Flat side mounts to back of solid surface.
Shims placed here if needed.
Subwoofer Grill Catch
(Paint Shield removed)

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Preparing for Solid Surface Mounting
Included Parts
Depending on the size and shape of the cutout the dimensions of the mounting shims and accessories will change, but the
instructions to install are the same. There are several parts to allow proper adjustment for a fully flush mount speaker to be properly
installed.
•ICS3-Backbox Mounting Plate / Subwoofer Port Tube and Grille Catch
•Mounting Ring Shim 1/4” (6.35mm) Shim - (2 included)
•Mounting Ring Shim 1/8” (3.175mm) Shim - (3 included)
Note: The Mounting Plate has a floating magnet ring that can be adjusted up or down to allow for the grill to fit perfectly flush
with the ceiling. This is done with the 3 set screws inside the Mounting Plate. Adjust this when the grill is installed for a perfect fit.
Accessories and Supported Options
The solid surface mounting kit can be used with both ICS3 and SUB1 installations. Make sure you have the correct speaker pre-
construction and final assembly parts for the installation.
•ICS3-Backbox with mid-bass driver for pre-construction and ICS3-SPMD (Spiral Planar Magnetic Driver) final assembly
•SUB1 band-pass box (pre-construction)
•Grille Options
o3” (76mm) Square Grill
o4” (102mm) Square Grill
o3” (76mm) Round Grill
o4” (102mm) Round Grill
Installation and template tool accessories for customized cutting of the mounting material have been combined into one complete
toolkit. Only one (1) needs to be purchased and can be re-used for multiple jobs.
•Routing Template & Tool Kit, includes all configurations:
o3” (76mm) Round and 3” (76mm) Square Routing Template
o4” (102mm) Round and 4” (102mm) Square Routing Template
oRouter Collar: 5/8” and 3/8”(3/8” is only used with 3” openings)
oRouter Bits: 1/4” (Up Cut/spiral) x2
Tools Needed for Routing Template
Two touters are suggested for use with the 3” round and 3” square template for quickly cutting multiple mounts without needing to
reset the tool. Only one router is needed for 4” size. At least one router with the ability to install a template bushing in the base is
required. A plunge cut router is recommended for easiest cutting of the opening but is not required.
ICS3 Prewire and Pre-Construction Preparation
For ICS3 the only preparation before mounting the speakers with the prepared solid surface is to pre-wire as you normally would.
The ICS3-Backbox with mid-bass driver will be attached to the rear (in-ceiling) solid surface after correct cutout and shim installation
and installed as one unit. The ICS3-SPMD (Spiral Planar Magnetic Driver) can be installed either during or after installation of the
solid surface.
SUB1 Prewire and Pre-Construction Preparation
The SUB1 bass driver and band-pass box with port tube need to be installed and prewired before installing the solid surface
platform. No access to the band-pass box is possible after the solid surface is installed. Install the band pass box between 12” and
24” from where the grill location cutout will be and ensure the port tube is fully installed on the band-pass box before continuing.
The bass tube must also be attached to the back of the mounting plate before fully closing the ceiling as no access to the bass port
tube is possible from in the room. NOTE: Bass Snorkel Tube length is not to be altered as it will severely impact the operation of
the subwoofer.

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Cutting the Solid Surface
Depending on what type of material the speaker is being mounted into, there are a variety of different methods that can be used to
cut the grille opening. For harder, dense materials, such as stone or tile, the use of a water jet machine is required. For softer
materials, such as wood, a CNC table or a router template accessory can be used. Whichever method is used, the opening must be
cut very precise. Unlike traditional speaker grilles, Minimal Appearance grilles do NOT cover the opening that is cut into the material
- they install flush to the material surface, therefore leaving zero tolerance for uneven, or unclean cuts in the opening.
Below are instructions for the two options, (1) Water Jet / CNC and (2) Router Template. The router template can be purchased from
Wisdom Audio.
Method 1: Water Jet / CNC Using CAD
Water Jet / CNC Step 1: Send File
Most stone suppliers will have access to a water jet machine.
Locate a water jet machine at a local stone supplier, or contact
the stone supplier for the job, and send the Minimal Appearance
water jet files. The water jet files are a .DXF file that contains the
tool path needed for a precise and consistent grille opening.
These files can be found at www.wisdomaudio.com.
Water Jet / CNC Step 2: Cut
Using CNC, the cutting portion of the process will be done offsite
by another tradesperson.
Once the completed piece is returned to the jobsite, continue
with the final installation of the solid surface shims as shown in
the next section.
Method 2: Using the Optional Router Template
Step 1: Measure
Measure the center point of the grill opening in the finished
location using the Mounting Plate as a guide. This is a critical
measurement as the center of the grill opening and all alignment
if the placement is based on this measurement.
Step 2: Mark
With the material laying FACE DOWN on a sturdy work surface,
mark the center point of the grille opening on the material based
on the measurement in Step 1.
Step 3: Setup Router
The following tools will be needed to route the opening:
1. Router 1: 1/4” Bit with 5/8” Bushing
2. Router 2: 1/4” Bit with 3/8” Bushing (for 3” opening only)
3. Appropriate clamps to secure wood and template.
4. Drill to start the opening for the router and Jig Saw to rough cut are
options you may want to use but are not necessary.
(Bottom of the Router with bushing and bit installed)
Router Template Step 4: Grill Opening Cut
Place the router template on the surface of the material and
center it on the center point. Secure it to the material with
clamps. Next, using the 1/4” router bit with 5/8” bushing, route
around the opening in the router template.
Make sure the depth of the bit is set to clear the material being
cut. Making two passes may be needed for thicker material.
Do not remove template until final cut is completed!!!
For 4” openings, skip to Step 6
First Cut for Grille Opening (template removed for clarity)

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Router template Step 5: Second Cut
NOTE: This step is only required with the 3” openings and not
the 4” grille openings.
4” openings can skip this step as it is not needed. The Grille will
cover the flange. Go to Step 6
Using a piece of the material of the same thickness as the final
material, make a mark on the edge of the material. This is a
reference line for setting the depth of the second cut.
The mark should be 1/16”(1.6mm) from finished surface. This
allows the flange to sit inside the material and be hidden.
Use the template as a spacer to set the depth of the cut to match
the measurement from the previous step.
Use the 1/4” router with 3/8” bushing setup to route a second
opening. This opening DOES NOT GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH
THE MATERIAL.
The router depth should allow for 1/16”(1.6mm) of the
material to remain.
Make the cut. You should have an opening that allows the flange
of the mounting plate sit inside the cut but not be visible from
the finished side.
Step 6:
Check the fit of the mounting plate and grille into the opening
and adjust the cutout opening as needed!!!
For 3” openings the mounting flange should be covered by the
wood and the grilles should fit just inside the smaller opening.
For 4” openings there is only one cut and only the grille opening
needs to be checked for fit.
Rear Front 3” Round (no grille) Front 4” Round (no grille)
Mark here →1/16” (1.6mm)
Use template for proper depth
Set depth to line from previous step
First Cut (grille opening)
Second Cut (flange mounting 3” opening)

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Selecting and Installing Shims and Mounting Plate
After the opening has been cut in the solid material, the Mounting Plate and shims (if needed) are installed to the back (in-ceiling) of
the solid surface. To allow for the speaker grill to fit completely flush the Solid Surface Mounting Kit comes with (2) 1/4” thick shims
and (3) 1/8” thick shims to be used with the Mounting Plate.
The Mounting Plate has a magnetic paint shield (installed from the factory) with 3 holes that line up with the 3 screws of the
Magnetic Recoil Fastener (Pat. Pend) and is the same thickness as the grill. Do not throw this out until after you have adjusted the
height adjustment for the grill to sit flush.
The Mounting Plate includes a crescent shaped grill catch that is only used with the SUB1 port tube. This grill catch is removed for
the ICS3-SPMD installation during final assembly.
NOTE: The shims have mounting tabs that can be removed as needed to fit into different shapes and sizes. Trim as needed.
Mounting Plate - (1)
1/4” (6.35mm) Shim - (2)
1/8” (3.175mm) Shim - (3)
Material Thickness
Shims Used
Example below for 3/8” thick surface
3/8” (9.5mm)
(2) 1/4” + (3) 1/8
Mounting Plate and Shims ready to be installed (looking from rear of surface material)
1. Mounting Plate
2. 1/4” Shim (6.35mm)
3. 1/4” Shim (6.35mm)
4. 1/8” Shim (3.175mm)
5. 1/8” Shim (3.175mm)
6. 1/8” Shim (3.175mm)
7. Pre-cut solid surface material
1/2” (13mm)
(2) 1/4” + (2) 1/8”
5/8” (16mm)
(2) 1/4” + (1) 1/8”
3/4” (19mm)
(2) 1/4”
7/8” (22mm)
(1) 1/4” + (1) 1/8”
1” (25.5mm)
(1) 1/4”
1-1/8” (28.5mm)
(1) 1/8”
1-1/4” (32mm)
No Shims
Flat side mounts to back of solid surface.
Shims placed here if needed.
Subwoofer Grill Catch
(Paint Shield removed)
#1: Mounting Plate
#2 - #3: 1/4 Shim
#4 - #6: 1/8 Shim
#7: Solid Surface (rear)

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Attach Mounting Plate to Solid Surface
Once the correct number of shims are selected for the finish material, the mounting ring shim(s) can be fastened to the mounting
ring before attaching it to the finish material.
To attach the mounting ring to the finish material you can use either or epoxy/glue or screws. The method that you select depends
on the type of material speaker is being attached to. Below are the instructions for both methods.
Step 1 –Align
Lay the correct number of mounting ring shims on the front side
of the mounting ring.
Step 2 –Attach
Attach to the mounting ring with screws provided.
Step 3 –Check for Fit and Flush
Before attaching the mounting ring to the finish material, be sure the alignment fixture is positioned on the face of the mounting
ring. With the material positioned face down on a sturdy, flat, and clean work surface, place the mounting ring onto the backside of
the material. The mounting ring should be tight within the speaker opening.
Step 4a –Option 1: Epoxy Attachment
With the mounting ring separate from the material, clean with
acetone both the backside of the material where the flange will
rest and the flange of the mounting ring. Next, apply thin layer of
epoxy to the material surface and a generous layer to the flange.
Then, place the mounting ring in the opening and press firmly so
that the flange rests securely against the material.
Step 4b –Option 2: Screw Attachment
With the material positioned face down on a sturdy, flat, and
clean work surface, place the mounting ring on the back side of
the finish material. Select the outermost holes on each of the
mounting ring’s four sides and drill a pilot hole into the material.
Then, using four appropriately sized screws, fasten the ring to the
material.
The solid surface is now ready for final assembly and then to be installed into the speaker location.
Final Installation Into Ceiling
•ICS3 Final Assembly and Installation Steps:
1. For ICS3 you must screw the ICS3-Backbox onto the Mounting Plate and connect the speaker wires.
2. After the ceiling is finished (painting, sanding or other finish work) the ICS3-SPMD is installed.
3. The SUB1 grille catch is removed from mounting plate and the ICS3-SPMD is screwed in using the same mounting
screws.
4. Installing the ICS3-SPMD can be done at the end of the install, or when placing the completed back-box platform
into the ceiling. Care should be taken not to damage the ICS3-SPMD.
5. After the ICS3-SPMD is installed, use the paint shield to adjust the depth of the grille as shown below.
6. There is a protective plastic shipping cover the ICS3-SPMD that should be removed before playing audio.
•SUB1 Final Assembly and Installation Steps:
1. For SUB1 you must connect the port tube from the SUB1 band-pass box to the Mounting Plate.
2. After the mounting platform is installed the grille depth can be set using the paint shield to adjust the depth of the
grille as shown below.

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ICS3-Backbox Attachment to Platform
Attach ICS3-Backbox to platform first. The ICS3-Backbox attaches
to the Mounting Plate using 4 screws. The back-box and the
Mounting Plate have a keyed connection and can only fit one
way.
Remove the Paint Shield.
It may be easier to remove the SUB1 Grill Catch from the
Mounting Platform to gain access to all 4 screws, but it is not
necessary if you are careful!
DO NOT THROW AWAY THE PAINT SHIELD!
Locate the four screw locations on the mounting plate and line
them up to the four screw holes on the back box. Once in place,
secure with the screws included in the ICS3-Backbox.
Replace the Grill Catch, Sanding Guide and Paint Shield.
At this time, you can install the complete assembly into the ceiling joists. Once all wires are connected to the ICS3-Backbox the panel
can be installed into the ceiling. Final ICS3-SPMD installation and grille depth is adjusted using the paint shield (see below).
ICS3-SPMD (Spiral Magnetic Planar Driver) Installation Into ICS3-Backbox:
NOTE: You should have already installed the ICS3-Backbox with Solid Surface Mounting Platform to use these instructions and
have completed sanding and painting of the ceiling. The ICS3-SPMD should be protected from dust and paint during construction.
Step 1: Remove the Paint Shield by inserting a pick tool into the
cut out of the steel Paint Shield and gently pulling the Paint
Shield away from the assembly, it is held on magnetically.
NOTE: Keep the paint shield to use during the grille depth
adjustment at the end.
Step 2: This will expose the Subwoofer Grille. Remove the
Subwoofer Grille Catch by removing the (2) #6-32 cap screws
using a 7/64” hex head screwdriver bit. The Subwoofer Grille
Catch should be free to remove from the Mud Plate.
Align the ICS3-Backbox to the
Mounting Plate with this index
Mounting Plate
Four Screws
Grill Catch
7/64” Hex
Two Hex Cap Screws

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Step 3: Install the Spiral Planar Magnetic Driver (ICS-SPMD). The
ICS3-SPMD can only be inserted in one way to make the electrical
connection.
Step 4: The electrical connection to the ICS3-SPMD is mated by
securing the ICS3-SPMD to the ICS3-Backbox. Insert the (2) #6-
32 hex drive cap screws through the ICS3-SPMD and into the
mounting bosses of the Mounting Platform.
Step 5: Check for tight fit (hand tighten only!)
NOTE: There is a protective plastic film on the ICS3-SPMD. Do
not remove it unil after you have completed installation.
Step 6: Replace Paint Shield for setting the grille depth (next
section)
SUB1 Port Tube Connection
Attach to the rear of the Clamping Plate using the screw down
collar. Tighten the clamps on both ends of the port tube.
The clamp should fit snug before being tightened. If not, flip
the clamp and check again. The inside of the clamp has slightly
smaller inside dimensions for the side to be used with the
snorkel and slightly larger inside dimension for the side to be
used with the mounting plate.
Tighten the single clamp on the band-pass cabinet outlet.
Take care not to kink the tube. The minimum distance needed
to make a 90-degree bend is 4-1/2 inches (115mm).
NOTE: Bass Snorkel Tube length is not to be altered as it will
severely impact the operation of the subwoofer.
At this time, you can install the complete assembly into the ceiling joists. Once all wires are connected to the SUB1 band-pass box
the panel can be installed into the ceiling. Final ICS3-SPMD installation and grille depth is adjusted using the paint shield (see below).
Two Clamps at Platform
(5/16 or 8mm socket)
One Clamp at SUB1
(7/16 or 11mm socket)
Electrical Connection
Electrical Connection
Two Hex Cap Screws
Magnetic Recoil Fastener (Pat. Pend)

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Using Paint Shield to Adjust Grille Flush and Level
The paint shield is held in place with magnets and has access holes for three (3) adjustment screws as part of the Magnetic Recoil
Fastener (Patent Pending). The paint shield is the same thickness as the speaker grille that will be installed at the end of the
installation. Use the paint shield to adjust the three screws for a perfectly level and flush installation. For the SUB1 this can be done
as soon as the painting is completed.
NOTE For ICS3: The paint shield and Sub1 grille catch will be removed for the ICS3-SPMD to be installed. The paint shield must be
kept for adjustment of the grille depth. The ICS3-SPMD is installed after painting is completed. To install the SPMD the SUB1 Grill
Catch must be removed first.
NOTE For SUB1: The paint shield is used to set the final grille depth. Do not throw away until after grille depth is set. For the SUB1,
grille adjustment can be made once painting is completed as the SUB1 Grill Catch is pre-installed and has the Magnetic Recoil
Fastener (Pat. Pend).
Adjust Grill Mounting Depth: ICS3
The paint shield is held in place with magnets and has three holes that allow
access to the three set screws. Save the metal paint shield while installing the
ICS3-SPMD. After installing the ICS3-SPMD and before installing the grille, use
the paint shield to set the depth of the 3 set screws of the Magnetic Recoil
Fastener (Pat. Pend) so that the paint shield is flush with the surface. Remove
the paint shield and replace with the grille.
Adjust Grill Mounting Depth: SUB1
The paint shield is held in place with magnets and has three holes that allow
access to the three set screws Magnetic Recoil Fastener (Pat. Pend). Use the
paint shield to set the depth of the 3 set screws so that the paint shield is flush
with the surface. Remove the paint shield and replace with the grille.
Remove the Paint Shield using a pick tool or screwdriver. It is
held in magnetically. This will expose the Subwoofer Grill Catch
(for SUB1) or the ICS3-SPMD (for ICS3) .
Place the grille on the magnetic Grille Catch.
Done!
1
3
2
SUB1 Grille Catch with
adjustment screws
ICS3-SPMD with
adjustment screws

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WISDOM and the stylized W are registered trademarks of Wisdom Audio.
Magnetic Recoil Fastener (Pat. Pend)
Wisdom Audio 1572 College Parkway, Suite 164
Carson City, Nevada 89706 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.wisdomaudio.com
Caution!
Do not touch the surface of the planar magnetic drivers, under any circumstances. The thin film has
been carefully pre-tensioned at the factory; any subsequent contact can only damage it.
SOLIDKITIM-1.3 ©4/21/2021 Wisdom Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.